In this betting preview, we will focus on a match between Sapporo and Shimizu in the 3rd round of J-League. The match will take place at Sapporo Atsubetsu Stadium, the home of Sapporo.
Sapporo are flying high after a 0:2 win over Urawa in the 2nd round of J-League. Looking at that match, it was one of the best performances we have seen from this team, completely dominating Urawa, who did not find an answer for 2 goals Sapporo scored in 2nd and 27th minute of the match. While Sapporo managed to score 2 goals in the first half, they failed to produce more goals in the next 45 minutes, despite having 13 goal attempts. Well at the end of the day, they didn’t have to score more goals, but rather defend the lead of 2 goals, which they managed to do with flying colours. As it stands now, Sapporo are 8th in the league after 2 rounds with 1 win and 1 defeat behind them.
The visiting side, Shimizu did not start their season the way they hoped. With 2 matches behind them, Shimizu failed to win both. In the first round, Shimizu were paired with Hiroshima, where they managed to grab a point (1:1) despite far worse performance compared to their opponents. As for their most recent match against G-Osaka, Shimizu did not look much better compared to their opening match. While they managed to score the opening goal, G-Osaka answered with 4 goals of their own in 29th, 58th, 70th and 73rd minute. In the final minute of added time, Taki scored a goal for Shimizu, but it was way too late for his team to have a fighting chance. The most eye-catching issue we have seen from Shimizu in the opening 2 matches of J-league is how fragile they can be in the back, which should be a reason for concern as they travel to Sapporo.
Consadole Sapporo will enter this match without Komai. On the other side, Shimizu enters the fixture without Elsinho, Nishimura and Douglas.
Looking at how these two teams performed against each other, it is Shimizu who proven to be a better side when they visit Sapporo. In the last 2 fixtures, we saw Smihizu winning 1:3 and 0:3 if we count in all competitions. Despite that, I believe Sapporo come into this season as an improved team, which fixed their weaknesses and are ready to reclaim Sapporo Atsubetsu Stadium from Shimizu. In addition to that, Shimizu is not faring too well this season, with 2 straight losses, counting in 2:1 defeat against Yamaga in the Cup competition, and if that is not enough, they will miss 2 key players; Douglas and Elsinho. All thing considered, Sapporo look like a stronger team, and with this being their first home match of the season I expect them to perform up to par in front of their own fans. Expect Sapporo to grab their 2nd win of the season.
Prediction: Sapporo to win
Odds: 2.30 Asianodds
